title: Functional assessment and treatment of perseverative speech about restricted topics in an adolescent with Asperger syndrome.
abstract: A functional analysis showed that a 14-year-old boy with Asperger syndrome displayed perseverative speech (or "restricted interests") reinforced by attention. To promote appropriate speech in a turn-taking format, we implemented differential reinforcement (DR) of nonperseverative speech and DR of on-topic speech within a multiple schedule with stimuli that signaled the contingencies in effect and who was to select the topic. Both treatments reduced perseverative speech, but only DR of on-topic speech increased appropriate turn taking during conversation. Treatment effects were maintained when implemented by family members and novel therapists.
authors.affiliation: UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER'S MUNROE MEYER INSTITUTE.
authors.forename: Wayne W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Nicole M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: Todd M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Owen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017253:Neurofibromatoses / Q000150:complications; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013595:Syringomyelia / Q000150:complications
keywords: Asperger syndrome; autism; circumscribed interests; perseverative speech; restricted interests